The value of trust

How trust is earned and why it matters

www.britishcouncil.org
To receive publications in alternative formats
or to request a hard copy, please contact
externalrelations@britishcouncil.org

Authors: Alice Campbell-Cree and Mona Lotten

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations
and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding
between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making
a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing
lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.
We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and
culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached
over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online,
broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed
by Royal Charter and a UK public body.
www.britishcouncil.org
www.britishcouncil.org/organisation/policy-insight-research

 @InsightBritish
 The value of trust 01

Contents
Foreword 02

Executive summary 03

Introduction 04

The theory of trust and values 05

Earning trust 09

The economic benefits of trust 13

Values and trust in the UK today 16

Conclusion 20

Appendix 22